Buttplate tang stamped 'F/ 433/ V.V' denoting use by the Victorian Volunteer forces. The model was used in Victoria by the Volunteer Forces and featured in competitive range shooting.

One of 26 guns donated in 1871 by the Victorian Ordnance Department from its Melbourne Armoury, for the newly created Industrial and Technological Museum. The display was intended to show mechanics and gunsmiths the principles of gun construction and recent technical developments in weapons.

The Hay Pattern was designed by General Hay of the School of Musketry at Hythe, England, with the intention of producing a better service rifle, particularly for range shooting. It was produced under private contract to Isaac Hollis & Sons, hence the markings on the lockplate.